Local high school students with a passion for travel and excellent scholastic record are needed for the Rotary Club of Truckee’s Youth Exchange Program.

Two responsible and active local students will receive the rare opportunity to live with a host family and study in a foreign country for a year. This is the chance to continue high school courses while learning a new language and culture. All costs (except airfare and insurance) will be paid for by Rotary.

Applicants must be high school students between the ages of 15 1/2 and 18 1/2 by the departure date of August 2011. Students will be chosen based upon their scholastic record, linguistic ability, community involvement, potential as a cultural ambassador and age.

Although the host country assignments depend on which countries choose to participate in the program, past exchange countries include Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Chile, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Portland, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan and Thailand. The chosen Rotary Youth Exchange students will spend up to a year with their host family.

Not only is this an opportunity to learn about another culture, it is also the chance to serve as an ambassador of Truckee, creating new connections and sharing your own lifestyle and ideas. One of the main purposes of the international Rotary Youth Exchange program is to promote a better intercultural understanding in the world.

Contact Leisa Peterson at leisa.peterson@wellsfargo.com or go by the High School Student Assistance Center at Truckee High School to obtain applications.